On the outskirts of Kinosaki, a charming onsen destination in Hyogo Prefecture, lies the Kannabe Highlands—a mountain town built upon the grounds of Mount Kannabe, a 25,000-year-old volcano. The Kannabe Highlands and its residents live harmoniously with the ancient fire breather as the volcano has been dormant for millennia.
The mighty eruptions of the past now provide a natural bounty unique to the region—hardened magma flows, dramatic hilly landscapes, and nutrient-rich soil deliver sublime natural experiences for locals and visitors alike.
Volcanic Rock Trekking
Photo by: Visit Kinosaki Retrace the geologic footsteps from a time long forgotten.
A local favorite, volcanic rock trekking is one of Kannabe’s many unforgettable experiences. The cooled magma from one of Mount Kannabe’s ancient eruptions made this exhilarating pastime possible for modern-day hikers. With an experienced guide, adventure seekers retrace the geologic footsteps from a time long forgotten. This experience reveals waterfalls and rock formations unique to a volcanic eruption site. Depending on hikers’ experience, guests can choose between a 3-km or a 6-km course.
Circle the Mouth of a Volcano
Photo by: Visit Kinosaki This old fire breather is now inactive, trading fiery lava flows for rich greenery.
Not many people can say that a trip to Japan brought them to the heart-stopping edge of a volcano’s mighty mouth. But these special bragging rights make visitors to the Kannabe Highlands a rare breed.
This old fire breather is now inactive, trading fiery lava flows for rich greenery and scenic views along the 750-meter walk around the mouth. On the trail, an architectural oddity sticks out among the trees. Kannabe Shrine is the guardian shrine for the mountain town below. Its triangular shape is an extremely rare design for a Japanese Shinto shrine.
Highland Cycling
Photo by: Visit Kinosaki Peddle your way through vast rice fields and mountain scenery.
The sloping country roads paving the Kannabe Highlands lead adventurers to treasure troves of hidden natural wonders. One of the best ways to discover these gems is on two wheels—on a bicycle tour accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Visitors can peddle their way through vast rice fields and mountain scenery while receiving insider access to some of the region’s most stunning landscapes, including a waterfall born from a volcano, a cave, and other geologic formations.
Photo by: Visit Kinosaki At last!
The Closest Real Snow from Kyoto and Osaka
Photo by: Visit Kinosaki Let it snow!
The Kannabe Highlands is home to three ski resorts, boasting natural, powdery snow during the winter months. Up Kannabe Ski Resort borrows the unique terrain of Mount Kannabe for runs ranging in difficulty from beginner to pro.
Kids can play in the snow worry-free at Up Kannabe’s Uenodaira Kid’s Area and Center Kid’s Area. Attractions include a snow slide, merry-go-round and more. Further west, Manba and Oku Kannabe Ski Resorts’ trails share the same mountain’s rugged terrain, allowing twice the thrills and easy access to various courses.
Gourmet a la Mother Earth
Photo by: Visit Kinosaki Taste the best locally sourced meat and produce.
The mineral volcanic soil blessing the Kannabe Highlands lays the perfect foundation for growing nutrient-rich vegetables. Many accommodations and restaurants like Waraku pride themselves on serving only locally grown produce in their seasonal banquet meals. Additional highlights for overnight guests include local Tajima Beef and Matsuba Crab.
